Teach Your Children or Leave Off Preaching

XVIII. ON INSTRUCTING THE CHILDREN.

WHERE there are ten children in a Society, we must meet them at least an hour every week; talk with them whenever we see any of them at home; pray in earnest for them; diligently instruct and vehemently exhort all parents at their own houses. Some will say, "I have no gift for this." Gift or no gift, you are to do this, or else you are not called to be a Methodist Preacher. Do it as you can, till you can do it as you would. Pray earnestly for the gift, and use every help God hath put into your way, in order to attain it. Preach expressly on the education of children when you make the Collection for Kingswood School.

Q. 22. We have been frequently reproached with the dress of our Preachers' children. How ought they to dress?

A. Exactly according to the rules of the bands; and it would be well if parents in general would observe this.

Minutes of General Conversation, The Rev. John Wesley (published 1797 and subsequently reprinted)